Stephanie McCorkill, dentistry graduate and 2016 Alberta Dental Association and College's Gold Medal recipient.
On her way to write the dental board exam, Class of 2016 dentistry graduate Stephanie McCorkill knew she could easily find herself taking a detour to the hospital delivery room to give birth. After all, her official due date was the same day.
"My board exam and baby's due date were the same day," she says. "I just kept telling him to stay in a little bit longer."
It's this fine balance between dentistry school and regular life events that's helped her through her four years she says. And today, she is the proud recipient of the 2016 Alberta Dental Association and College's Gold Medal.
"I'm so honoured and humbled to be receiving this award. I've always tried my best and this means I've done good work," says McCorkill, adding that when she told her husband he was not one least bit surprised. "He said I knew you could do it."
Having a baby and finishing up dentistry school in a matter of months is no easy feat. But McCorkill credits her strong family support and fellow classmates for helping her through.
"They were all rooting for me," she says. "I always believe you can do whatever you put your mind to. Dental school is a stage of life, not a destination. Along with dental school, make sure you work to fulfill all your other dreams too.
"My advice to anyone coming in to dentistry school is that you can do it all."
McCorkill says she's looking forward to beginning her career as a dentist. She will be staying in Edmonton, but is definitely taking a few months off to spend with her new baby first.